Refrigerating apparatus



F eb. 25, 1936.

J. A. GRIER 2,032,012

REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed March 51, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet l I J.fllfred Grier ll TTOITNEY Feb. 25, 1936. .1. A. GRIER REFRIGERATINGAPPARATUS Filed March 31, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 25, 1936. J. A.GRIER REFRIGERATING APPARATUS Filed March 51, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVEN TOR ATTORNEY ?atenied Feb. 25, 1936 'l' FFlCE REFRIGERATING APPTUSApplication March 31, 1927, Serial No. 179,747

30 Claims.

It is an object of this invention to provide a combined motor and pumpstructure which may be used for a variety of purposes.

This invention also relates to improvements 5 in mechanicalrefrigerating systems and particularly to apparatus for use in domesticrefrigeration.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a combined motor andpump each having a 10 separate enclosing housing or casing and aseparate fan and motor for cooling the first named motor.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of a refrigeratingcircuit in which a refrig- 15 erant is compressed, condensed andexpanded within a suitable apparatus to exert a'refrigerating effect,the compressor motor and the condenser being cooled by a separatemotor-driven fan.

20 A further object of this invention is the provision of a mechanicalunit comprised within a refrigerator and supported on resilient meanswhereby vibrations of the unit are absorbed by the resilient means andnot transmitted to the 25 refrigerator.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will be morefully described in the following specification and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. In order that the invention 3 may be fuliyunderstood a construction is disclosed which embodies the underlyingprinciples.

In the drawings the same numerals refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views, of which:

85 Fig. 1 is a showing, partly in section and partly in elevation of adevice comprising my invention;

Fig. 2 is a showing partly in section and partly in elevation of amodified form of a device comprising my invention mounted for use;

Fig. 3 is a top view of a modification of the devices shown in Figs. 1and 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the casing mounting means;

F! g. 5'is a perspective showing of a clamp; and,

45 Fig. 6 is a detail showing of the clamp in operative position. v

. Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of Fig. 1.

In Fig. 1 there is shown the mechanical unit of a refrigerating systempositioned in a suitable chamber, not shown. This unit comprises a pumpor compressor casing l, a motor casing 2 and an intermediate platemember 3 completely 55 separating the motor and pump. Members I. 2,

and 3 are integrally assembled as shown. (In Figs. 1 and 2, the casing Iis surrounded by a cover'ng' of insulation material llll to protect itfrom loss of heat. This casing isomitted in 60 the form of device shownin Fig. 3, and is not essential to the successful operation of thismachine.)

Within the casing I is placed the compressor lb. The motor 2c is placedwithin the casing 2. The drive shaft 2d of the motor 20 drives the shaft5 lo of the compressor lb. The compressor lb may be of any suitableconstruction and may be for instance of the rotary vane type.

Casing 2 is provided on its periphery with longitudinal fins 4. Thesefins extend from shoulder 5 10 of plate 3 to define fluid passages 6along the surface of easing 2, as shown.

Surrounding the fins 4 is a shroud I. This is separated at one end 8from shoulder 5 to define outlets 9,. and is held in place by band 10.

The shroud 'l is extended beyond the confines of the motor casing 2 todefine a chamber l0. Positioned within this chamber II] is a cooling fandesignated generally by the numeral ll, and its motor l2. The motor I?is of the enclosed type and is provided with closure plates l3, shaftbearings it and lubricating cups l5. The fan is secured to the motorshaft, by any suitable means, such as set screw IS. The casing I2 isprovided on one side thereof with a projecting member I1. The lug l! isheld in operative engagement with a U-shaped member I 8 by a bolt IS.The member I8 is integral with a threaded supporting rod 20 or may bescrewed thereon. The threaded portion 2| of rod 20 is screwed in to thetapped boss 22 of casing 2 and is fixedly held by means of lock nut 23.Interposed between lock nut 23 and boss 22 is the supporting member 24whose function will be described more fully hereinafter.

The shroud l is constricted at one end to define a substantially conicalmember 25. Attached to the small end of member 25 by any suitablen'ieans such as lugs 25, is a condenser unit designated generally bynumeral 26. Comprised within the condenser 26 is a cooling coil 21.Tapped into coil 27 is a purge or outlet valve 28 which serves as anexit for fixed gases which may occur from time to time within therefrigerating cycle.

The condenser 26 is connected to the pump by means of elbows 29 and 30,couplings 3| and 32, and pipe 33. A pipe 34 is connected to the bottomof the condenser 26 and connects to the usual expansion valve andevaporator, which are not shown as these are not comprised within thescope of the present invention. A return line 36 from the evaporator, isprovided and is coupled to the pump inlet 35 by suitable means. A checkvalve (not shown) may be placed in the pipe 36 to prevent back pressurewhen the pump stops. The compressor lb may discharge through the pipe Ia into the casing l and from thence the compressed refrigerant leavesthrough the outlet 30 to the elbow 30 and from thence to the condenseras heretofore described.

For the purpose of describing the operation of this device, we willassume same is charged with ethyl chloride as a refrigerant, and oil asthe lubricant.

Thegas drawn from the evaporator or freezing chamber into the suctioninlet 35 of the pump is warm. Compression takes place in the pump, whichmay be of any suitable type and which is operated by a suitable motorcontained in the casing 2, the shafts of the pumpand motor being in lineand one of them passing through plate 3.

Lubricant for the pump and motor is contained in the chamber for thepump in casing I. The pump discharges into casing I through thedischarge port Ia and the compressed gases come into contact with thehot walls of the pump and of the casing I, these being heated by theheat of compression and the friction inithe pump.

. not entirely fill the chamber in casing I but should only fill thesame about to the upper dotted line lb, Figsql and 2, which indicate theupper surface of the pump.

The elbow 30 and pipe 33 connect with the gas space in casing I and.conduct the refrigerant (now free from lubricant by reason of thedistillation process just described) to the condenser 26. The current ofcooling air drawn through the condenser 26 by fan II, linquefies thegaseous refrigerant in the coil 21. The liquefied refrigerant returns tothe evaporator and expansion valve,

through pipe 34.

Should a small portion of the lubricant pass over with the compressedgas into the condenser 26, it will be forced around the circulatingsystem including the expansion valve and the evaporator (not shown).Means must be taken toprevent the collection of this lubricant in theevaporator but such means do not form part of this invention and hencewill not be here described. It is sufficient to state now that anysuitable means can be employed, whereby the lubricant is carried out ofthe evaporator and returned to the pump chamber.

If the parts are properly proportioned and the proper lubricant is used,by the distillation process above described, all but a very smallportion of the lubricant will remain in casing I about the hot pump, andthe amount carried over to the evaporator will be negligible. and lessthan the amount of lubricant carried over when the various knownlubricant separating systems relying upon gravity or bailie plates foreffecting separation.

As shown, particularly in Figs. 1 and 2, the pump motor and the fanmotor are provided with common terminals, one of which is shown at 31positioned on a boss 38 of chamber 2. Flexible leads 39 areprovided forthe fan motor.

The pump motor and fan motor may be con- .trolled by the samethermostatic means, not

shown, and which may be of any of the types commonly employed forsuchpurposes.

In applicants experience greater emciency of operation is obtained ifthe pump and its casing 1i arlel isolated from the cooling effect of theTo this end heat insulation can be placed aosaora around the outside ofeasing I if necessary, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 so that airdrawn'through the condenser and motor does not cool the pump casing.

During the operation of the unit, the cooling fluid, such as air, isdrawn through the condenser unit 26 into chamber I0, forced over andaround the fan motor I2, thence through channels 6 on the pump motorcasing 2 and out into the surrounding atmosphere through the outlets 9.

It will be noted here that by the arrangement of parts recited above,the cooling fluid during its flow is in heat-exchanging relation onlywith the condenser and the motor units and not'with the pump unit.

In the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the shoulder 5 will directthe air current away from the pump chamber.

In Fig. 2, a modified form is shown wherein the shroud I is omitted andthe cowl 40 positioned on plate 3 and so arranged as to direct the aircurrent back awayfrom the pump unitv chamher. In this figure thecondenser 26 is supported in thepath of the air current by means of arms26', the opposite ends of which are secured to the fins 4 by anysuitable means. r

The assembled machine is suitably supporte .on a tripod mounting whichcomprises the leg,

porting rod 20. The leg 24 is provided with an angular protuberance 4|which serves as a bear-- ing surface.

The standard 42 comprises brackets 43, and an integral intermediatewebbed portion 44. The brackets 43 are provided withfeet 45 and supports46.

The supports 46 are suitably machined or formed to provide bearingsurfaces 41 for the annular ring or plate 3 of the motor pump unit. Themotor pump unit is secured to the standard 42 by any suitable means suchas the bolts 48 and associated washers 49.

Referring to Fig. 4, the feet 45 are provided withpins 50 which fitsnugly into holes 5| in rubber blocks 52. with bearing surfaces 53 whichcontact with bear ing surfaces 54 of the blocks 52.

The blocks 52 rest upon a floor 55 of suitable material such as wood.The floor 55 is an integral part of a cabinet, not shown, for housingthe machine.

The feet 45 are also provided Secured to floor 55- by threaded bolts 56or any I other suitable means are retaining members 60, which arepreferably made of wood.

Bolts 56 are provided with threaded ends 61 coacting with lock nuts 58and washers 59.

The wooden blocks 60 are positioned around the rubber blocks 52 or maybe of solid construcclamped onto the floor or base 55 in the followingmanner.

The assembled unit is set onto the blocks 52 so that pins 50 are inengagement with holes 5| of the blocks 52. The clamps 6| are insertedunder the feet 45 so that the pins 50 are engaged in slot 65 betweenfingers 66. The member 62 of the clamp at the same time grips theprojecting lug or toe 61 of foot 45. Bolt 56 is inserted through itssheath 68 in flooring 55 and block 52 and through slots 64 in clamp 6|.The washer 59 is positioned over threaded end 51 of the bolt, and locknut 58 screwed on to tighten the clamp 62 on to the lug 61 of foot 45.This operation is repeated on the other foot of the standard. Infastening bearing lug 4| of support 24 in position the same procedure isfollowed.

By providing this clamping arrangement, the assembly is rigidly securedto its shipping ca and possible breakage is avoided.

When .it is desired to set the assembly up for operation, the top andsides of the shipping container are removed. lock nuts 58 are thenloosened, thereby permitting clamps 6| to he slid out from engagementwith lugs 61 and 4!. The clamps are then given a quarter turn to thepositions shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4 and the nuts 58 are again tightened-up. The feet 45 and lug 4| now rest upon the resilient supports 52, andit will readily be appreciated that the vibrations of the machine whenin operation will be absorbed thereby and not transmitted to therefrigerator. i

If not already connected, the connections 34 and 35 are then coupled upwith the appropriate lines and the unit is ready for use.

Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown a modification of arefrigerating machine comprising my invention, which is especiallyadapted for use in restricted spaces and to break up the directness ofthe air currents incident to the arrangement of parts in Fig. 1, forexample.. In this modification the fan and its motor together with thecondenser 26 are positioned substantially at right angles to theposition shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The shroud 'I' is correspondingly modified to.

provide an end wall 1a defining a chamber Illa. The pipe 33 leading fromthe pump unit I to the condenser is provided with an appropriate bend,as shown at 33a. The purge valve 28a may be tapped into the elbow 300.instead of into the top of the condenser coil. r

In this construction, the overall length of the completed assembly isless than that of the assembly shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This saving inspace is accomplished without in any way diminishing the effectivenessof the refrigeration machine.

It will be seen that the change from one type to the other can bereadilycarried out. To do this, the pipe 33 is detached from the elbow30, and the condenser 26 from the return line 34. The shroud l with itsattached condenser is then removed. Thereupon, the bolt 20 and itsassociated clevis I8 is removed and there is substituted for this thesupport member 20a. It W be appreciated that this change of the positionas shown. The elbow 30 is then given a quarter turn to register with thecoupling 32' Further economies in the replacement of one type by anothermay be obtained by another expedient. If desired, the condensers 26 and26' may be of identical construction and provided with means todetachably secure them to the cowl I or I. In this manner, it isnecessary only to replace the lines 33 and 34 with similar sections ofappropriate length and configuration to accommodate the new arrangement.These are -susceptible of being made up in quantity to be supplied withthe proper type of shroud.

It will be appreciated that I have provided a refrigerating unit havingnovel ventilating features which is susceptible of easy assemblage andwhich may be quickly modified to render it available for use inrefrigerators of different sizes.

It is to be noted further that I have provided a refrigerating unitwhich may be resiliently mounted and which is of such a construction anddesign as to insure maximum safety in transportation.

While I have herein shown and described a specific device, it is to beunderstood that this is merely for the purpose of explaining theinvention, for since its underlying features may be embodied in otherspecific mechanical structures, I do not intend to be restricted to theparticular device shown, except as such restrictions are clearly imposedby the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A refrigerating apparatus comprising a motor chamber, a compressorchamber, a condenser, means for directing a current of air about saidcondenser and motor chamber, and means for preventing the current of airfrom cooling said compressor chamber.

2. A refrigerating apparatus comprising a sealed compressor chamber, asealed motor chamber, a common closure plate for said chambers extendingbeyond the surfaces of said chambers, a shroud encircling a portion ofsaid motor chamber and terminating a distance from said plate at whichpoint it does not extend beyond the periphery of said plate, a condensermounted continguous with said shroud and adjacent an opening'therein,and means for circulating air through said shroud.

3. In a motor compressor unit, the combination of a main framecomprising the support for I the unit, a motor and a compressor mountedon the main frame, driving connection between the motor'and thecompressor and closure members enclosing the motor and compressor andsealed to the main frame.

4. In a motor compressor unit, the combination of a main supportingframe, a motor mounted on one sideof said frame, a compressor mounted onthe other side of said frame, and a closure member mounted on each sideof said frame and forming two separate chambers in which the motor andcompressor are located respectively.

5. In a gas compressing machine the combination of a main frame membercomprising a sup.- port for both a prime mover and a compressor andclosure members in sealed relation with said frame member, said frameextending beyond said closure members forming a base.

6. In a gas compressing machine, the combina tion of a main framemember, a motor mounted .vidual chambers housing said motor and saidcompressor, and conduits passing'through said frame member andconnecting said chamber housing the compressor with the exterior.

, 7. In a motor compressor unit the combination of a main supportingframe, a motor carried by said frame, a compressor carried by said frameand operably connected to said motor, gas conduits formed in said frameto convey gas to and from said compressor and enclosing members sealingsaid motor and said compressor in indivixleal chambers on opposite sidesof said conveying a cooling blast of air over said radiator.

10. The combination comprising a motor-pump casing, a condensingradiatorsecured thereto, a motor-fan detachably interposed between saidmotor-pump casing and said radiator and detachably secured to saidmotor-pump casing, and detachable means secured to said motor-pumpcasing about said motor-fan and adapted to direct a cooling blast of airfrom said motor-pump casing over said radiator.

11; The combination'comprising a hermetically-sealed motor-pump casing,a.- condensing radiator having a plurality of convolutions and radiatingfins secured thereto, said radiator being spaced from and detachablysecured to said motor-pump casing, and a motor-fan disposed in/the spacebetween said motor-pump casing and said radiator and detachably securedto said motor-pump casing 12. "The combination comprising ahermetically-sealed motor-pump casing, a condensing radiator having aplurality of convolutions and radiating fins secured thereto, saidradiator being spaced from and detachably secured to said motor-pumpcasing, a motor-fan disposed in the space between said motor-pump cas ngand said radiator and detachably secured to said motorpump casing, andmeans disposed about said motor-fan for conveying a cooling blast of airover said radiator.

l3, The combination, comprising a hermetically-sealed motor-pump casing,a condensing radiator having a plurality of convolutions and radiatingfins secured thereto, said radiator being spaced from and detachablysecured to said motor-pump casing, a motor-fan disposed in the spacebetween said motor-pump casing and said radiator and detachably securedto said motorpmnp casing, and detachable means secured to saidmotor-pump casing about said motor-fan and adapted to direct a coolingblast of air from said motor-pump casing over said radiator.

14. The combination, comprising a hermetically-sealed motor-pump casing,a condensing radiator having radiating coils and a frame therefor, aplurality of distance pieces arranged to secure detachably said frame inspaced relation from said casing, a bracket detachably secured to'saidmotor-pump casing in the space between said casing and saidradiator, and a motor-fan said motor-fan for conveying a cooling blastof air over said radiator.

16. The combination, comprising a hermetically-sealed motor-pump casing,a condensing radiator having radiating coils and a frame therefor,

a plurality of distance pieces arranged to secure detachably said framein spaced relation from said casing, a bracket detachably secured tosaid motor-pump casing in the space between said casing and saidradiator, a motor-fan detachably secured to said bracket, and detachablemeans secured to said motor-pump casing about said motor-fan and saidradiator adapted to direct a cooling blast of air from said motor-pumpcasing over said radiator.

17. The combination comprising a horizontal cylindrical motor-pumpcasing, having an open bearing boss projecting from one end, acondensing radiator having superposed radiating coils, and a. pluralityof radiating fins transversely se-' cured to said coils, a plurality ofdistance pieces arranged to secure detachably said radiator in spacedrelation to the bearing end of said motorpump casing, a bracket memberdetachably secured to said bearing boss and adapted to close the openingin the same, a motor-fan unit carried by said bracket member and havingits fan disposedto cause a current of air to pass over said radiatingcoils, and detachable means incortor-pump casing, abracket. memberdetachably secured to said bearing boss and adapted to close the openingin the same, a. motor-fan unit car-,

ried by said bracket member and having its fan disposed to cause acurrentof air to pass over said radiating coils, detachable meansincorporating with said bracket for rigidly securing said motor-fanunit'in said bracket, and an outer shell member disposed about the spacecontain ing said motor-fan and the adjacent end of said motor-pumpcasing, said shell member being detachably secured to said motor-pumpcasing.

19. The combination comprising a horizontal cylindrical motor-pumpcasing, having an open bearing boss projecting from one end, acondensing radiator having superposed radiating coils, and a pluralityof radiating fins transversely secured to said coils, a plurality ofdistance pieces arranged to secure detachably said radiator in spacedrelation to the bearing end of said motorpump casing, a bracket memberdetachably secured to said bearing boss and adapted to close the openingin the same, a motor-fan unit carried by said bracket member and havingits fan disposed to cause a current of air to pass over said radiatingcoils, detachable means incorporating with said bracket for rigidlysecuring said motor-fan unit in said bracket, an outer shell memberformed into a casing of generally cylindrical contour surrounding thespace containing said motor-fan unit detachably secured to the adjacentend of said motor-pump casing, and means for retaining said shell'insnug engagement with said radiator.

20. The combination comprising a horizontal cylindrical motor-pumpcasing, having an open bearing boss projecting from one end, acondensing radiator having superposed radiating coils,

and a plurality of radiating fins transversely secured to said coils, aplurality of distance pieces arranged to secure detachably said radiatorin spaced relation to the bearing end of said motorpump casing, abracket member detachably secured to said bearing boss and adapted toclose the opening in the same, a motor-fan-unit carried by said bracketmember and having its fan disposed to cause a current of air to passover said radiating coils, detachable means incorporating with saidbracket for rigidly securing said motor-fan unit in said bracket, and anouter shell member of generally cylindrical contour having a portion ofits side cut away and disposed about the space in which said motor-fanunit is mounted, sai shell member being detachably secured to the end ofsaid motor-pump housing adjacent said motor-fan, the cut-away portionbeing disposed at the lower side of said casing and being slipped over asupporting leg.

21. The combination comprising a horizontal cylindrical motor-pumpcasing, having an open bearing boss projecting from one end, acondensing radiator having superposed radiating coils, and a pluralityof radiating fins transversely secured to said coils, a plurality ofdistance pieces arranged to secure detachably said radiator in spacedrelation to the bearing end of said motorpump casing, a bracket memberdetachably secured to said bearing boss and adapted to close the openingin the same, a motor-fan unit carried by said bracket member and havingits fan disposed to cause a current of air to pass over said radiatingcoils, detachable means incorporating with said bracket for rigidlysecuring said motorfan unit in said bracket, an outer shell member ofgenerally cylindrical contour having a portion of its side cut away anddisposed about the space in which said motor-fan unit is mounted, saidshell member being detachably secured to -the end of said motor-pumphousing adjacent said motor-fan, the cut-away portion being disposed atthe lower side of said casing and being slipped over a supporting leg,the other end of said shell being fitted snugly about said radiator, andmeans for detachably holding the sides thereof in firm engagement withsaid radiator.

22. The combination comprising a horizontal cylindricalhermetically-sealed motor-pump casing having a plurality of ribbedradiating fins projecting laterally therefrom and disposed in generallyaxial planes, a condensing radiator having a pipe connectioncooperatively connected to said motor-pump casing, and a plurality ofdistance pieces, each having one end detachably connected to a fin onsaid motor-pump casing and the other end detachably connected to theframe of said radiator, and means disposed in the space between saidcasing and radiator for propelling a cooling blast of air.

23. The combination comprising a horizontal cylindricalhermetically-sealed motor-pump casing having a plurality of ribbedradiating fins projecting laterally therefrom and disposed in generallyaxial planes, a condensing radiator having a pipe connectioncooperatively connected to said motor-pump casing, and a plurality ofdistance pieces, each having one end detachably connected to a fin onsaid motor-pump casing and the other end detachably connected to theframe of said radiator, means disposed in the space between said casingand radiator for propelling a cooling blast of air, and a removableshroud having one end snugly fitted about the frame of said radiator,and means for detachably securing the sides of said shroud to saidradiator frame.

24. The combination comprising a horizontal cylindricalhermetically-sealed motor-pump casing having a plurality of ribbedradiating fins projecting laterally therefrom and disposed in generallyaxial planes, a condensing radiator having a pipe connectioncooperatively connected to said motor-pump casing, and a plurality ofdistance pieces, each having one end detachably connected to a fin onsaid motor-pump casing and the other end detachably connected to theframe of said radiator, and a removable shroud having one end snuglyfitted about the frame of said radiator, and means for detachablysecuring the sides of said shroud to said radiator frame.

25. A motor-compressor unit including a compressor, a motor, a drivingconnection therebetween, said compressor including means foraccumulating a body of lubricant for said compressor, and heatinsulation for said compressor.

26. A motor-compressor unit including a compressor, a motor, and adriving connection between said motor and compressor, a casing for saidcompressor, said casing providing means for accumulating a body oflubricant for said compressor, and heat insulation for said casing.

27. A refrigerating system including a compressor, a condenser, and anevaporator in refrigerant flow relationship, a casing enclosing saidcompressor and a body of oil for said compressor, and heat insulationfor said casing.

28. A motor-compressor unit including a cornpressor, a motor, and adriving connection between said motor and compressor, a casing for saidcompressor, said casing providing means for accumulating a body oflubricant for said compressor, heat insulation for said casing to retardthe cooling of said body of lubricant during idle periods, and means forremoving a quantity of heat from said unitv during the running periods.

29. A refrigerating system including a motorcompressor unit, acondenser, and an evaporator in refrigerant flow relationship, a casingenclosing said motor-compressor unit and containing a body of lubricant,heat insulation for said casing to retard the cooling of said lubricantduring idle periods, and means for removing heat from saidmotor-compressor unit during the running periods.

'30. A refrigerating system including a motorcompressor unit, acondenser, and an evaporator in refrigerant flow relationship, a casingenclosing said motor-compressor unit and containing a body of lubricant,heat insulation for said casing to retard the cooling of said lubricantduring idle periods, and means for removing motor heat from said unitduring the running periods.

JOHN ALFRED GRIER.

